Health center Bopfingen failed: Ipfmed eG takes over!

A total of 302 healthcare providers were contacted, the return rate of 15.2 percent illustrates that the majority work in their own practices and have no exchange intentions. Many of the respondents recently invested in their practices or are about to retire. These circumstances led to the conclusion of the experts that there was no economic load -bearing capacity of a new health center. Instead, they recommend checking alternative decentralized health models.

Foundation of IPFMED EG

Despite the failed project, there is a new approach to strengthening general care in the region. The establishment of the ipfmed eG is sought for June 2025. The aim of this cooperative is to operate the general medical care centers (MVZ) and to take on threatened medical practices. This could contribute to the creation of attractive jobs and to ensure a health offer in Bopfingen.

The district administration is optimistic and supports the foundation financially and personnel. In this context, the MVZ Ostalb Kliniken gGmbH is also active, which is already active in outpatient medical care. In addition to the general general practitioners, the gynecological branch of the MVZ Ellwangen is also considered important to secure the gynecological care on site.

challenges of health care

The Ostalbkreis, like many other regions, must deal with demographic change. The aging process of the population leads to a higher need for medical contacts and hospital stays, as more and more older patients have several illnesses. The average age of the medical profession increases and many "baby boomers" approach retirement. This represents a challenge, because the advancing generation of doctors often has different demands on their jobs that are not always compatible with the traditional "country doctor's practices".

In order to meet these challenges, the “Medical Supply” control group was launched in 2021. This consists of representatives of the district office as well as the Ostalb clinics and the doctors of Aalen and Schwäbisch Gmünd. The steering group has already founded several working groups that deal with topics such as promoting young people, general practitioners and specialist care as well as cross -sectoral emergency care.